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Biggest Challenge of Being a Mom

The biggest challenge of being a mom of 3 is to ensure that my middle child doesn’t get lost in the family. Watching the dynamics of my middle child go from being the baby to the middle was not easy for him. Even though my youngest daughter (2 yrs old) and my oldest daughter (13 yrs old) are developmentally at opposite ends of the spectrum, it’s easier to tend to their needs. My middle son (9 yrs old) probably has it the roughest and I’m constantly perplexed!

Being a Don’t Sweat Mom Means

Sometimes my kids don’t like me very much when they don’t get what they want and that’s ok. With my first child I wanted to be her everything. Her world was my world, but when her brother was born, it wasn’t the two of us anymore. Now there was sibling rivalry. There were some tough times with the adjustment of two children and I was not popular with one or the other at any given time. That bothered me a lot. When my third was born, it felt like my family was finally complete. The two siblings were older and could see the needs of their new sister and I think they finally understood why I did the things I did. I’m way more relaxed now about how I’m raising my youngest and it’s been a lot more peaceful all the way around.

A Wish For Other Moms

It’s okay to pursue your own desires. If you sacrifice too much of yourself to everyone else in your family, your happiness may suffer. When you balance your needs with the family’s, not only do you find more joy and fulfillment in life, but you also set an example for your children to pursue their dreams and to not be afraid of the unknown. I have a feeling it will help when the children are out of the house and on their own. By not abandoning your own interests, the empty nest transition won’t be such a shock to your system…that’s my theory anyway. I’ll know soon enough if it’s true!

Favorite Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Moms Chapter

Lifeline Sundays! I thought I was the only one that took a break on Sundays. Sundays are sacred to me and my kids know it. It’s a day when I can sleep in and not even brush my teeth if I don’t want to!

About Susan

I am a woman who does it all! Being a divorced mother of 3 children, ages 2, 9, 13, there’s never a dull moment. My brain activity has all cylinders firing at all times. When I’m not being a mom, I have the privilege of working with motivated people who are interested in getting healthy. You can find me chairside as a Dental Hygienist as well as an entrepreneur, both online and in person. My businesses are focused on empowering people to achieve their desired level of well-being through health coaching. My newest endeavor is starting a non-profit organization to help single parents raise their children. Stop by my websites and say “Hi!”

Biggest Challenge of Being a Mom

Division of time! I work full time and have 3 boys ages 4-20! One is grown and I have to remember he is still wandering around in his 20-year-old world. The 14 year old has sports and is entering into High School this year, and the 4 year old has sports, YMCA classes and daycare. OH! And I have a husband too

Being a Don’t Sweat Mom Means

Being a don’t swear mom means: 1) To not overbook. 2)To not feel like I always have to be the one in control and to ask for help. 3) To re-evaluate the necessity of the programs that I have boys in that demand our time.

A Wish For Other Moms

Re-evaluate! Kids don’t need to have multiple engagements all the time to be a part of. Wait until they are teens/driving and they can (take themselves) to any clubs-events they wish!

Favorite Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Moms Chapter

Just Say “I know, that really sucks”

About Erinn

I am a mom of 3 boys 4-20. A wife. A full time employee in the medical field. I love to blog (http://3sonshavei.blogspot.com/), save money, attending my sons sports games and local events. We all own ATV’s and disappear to the Dunes in spring/Summer. I lack Vitamin D and energy a lot living here in the Northwest so my husband and I disappear to Vegas about twice a year!

Biggest Challenge of Being a Mom

For me, the biggest challenge of being a mom is not comparing myself to others. It is SO easy to say “Well so and so does this so I should too…” Even throughout pregnancy we are so quick to compare ourselves against other moms. Learning to remember that what works for me might not work for you, and vice versa.

Being a Don’t Sweat Mom Means

Choosing joy over stress. Not worrying about the things you won’t remember in 5 years anyway. Leaving the dishes dirty in the sink to play a round of tag. Choosing peace in times of Chaos.

A Wish For Other Moms

I would tell other moms to remember that when your kids are grown up people aren’t going to talk about how clean or dirty your house was when your kids were growing up, they are going to remember how you cultivated a positive home environment and raised a happy healthy kid.

Favorite Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Moms Chapter

Chapter 30 “Powered With Your Passion”. I loved this chapter because it was so encouraging. It talked about being filled up in order to pour out, which is something moms often forget to do as we run ourselves ragged. Finding something that gives you joy that isn’t necessarily connected to your husband or kids can be so empowering.

About Courtney

Courtney Norman is the blogger behind JourneyofaDreamer.com (http://journeyofadreamer.com/) and is also known as Mrs Dreamer. Wife to Mr Dreamer and Momma to 2 year old Little Dreamer. She believes that to live big you must first dream big (and that everything is better with sparkles). She is obsessed with running, crossfit and all things Disney.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/courtnorm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyofaDreamer”

Biggest Challenge of Being a Mom

My challenges change as my kids & I change. They change schools, friends & sports. And with that I change hobbies, routines and other responsibilities as they evolve. The consistent challenge is keeping a balance. The balance of my life and all it’s entities to be synchronistic with each of their worlds, and all that is important and sacred to them. Whatever that might be.

Being a Don’t Sweat Mom Means

When I am clear of what the MOST important facets that need to be in place for health and happiness of my entire family, I am a “Don’t Sweat Mom” That can only happen when I repeat my mantra throughout the day.

A Wish For Other Moms

I wish for other moms, to have the clarity to distill down what is the most important in her soul, for her family. Upon realization the finite sentence that gives her peace, a real peace that calms her and assures her that she is ‘whole’ when this one action is accomplished.

Favorite Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Moms Chapter

Chapter One is my favorite chapter (even though I have a close 99). This chapter is titled, There’s No Such Thing As A “Perfect” Mom. The words “Burden” and “Fairy-tale” are words the author used in describing the attachment we have to unachievable ideals. She puts it eloquently simple, “Give yourself permission to be authentic…”. Such a gift!

About Maria

I am a married mother of three wonderful children. I have a son in High School, a daughter in Middle School and a son entering Kindergarten. I adore being a mother and am acutely aware how fast this time raising my children is flying by and they will all be out of the house in a blink of an eye. It is important to me to be in the moment, to look my kids in the eye when they are talking to me, especially when it is something that they are passionate about or an accolade they are sharing with me. I appreciate and honor Kristine Carlson for writing this book and starting this movement that is a blessing to all that read it.

Biggest Challenge of Being a Mom

Having patience. When you have a toddler it’s all about testing when they are at this age. You have to be consistent and firm,all the while maintaining patience and a sense of calm. When you feel stressed or worn,you all of a sudden assume your not doing a good job of being a mother. Like “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Mom’s” says “There is no such thing as a Perfect Mom.” which is very true to its word. When you first become a mother you have to learn to really just let’s things go. Now that my daughter has just turned two, I have been able to do this and become more comfortable with who I am as a mother,trying to enjoy every single minute I have with my baby at this age.

Being a Don’t Sweat Mom Means

Showing that you can handle any struggle or challenge that comes in your way down life’s path. You grow with each feeling you overcome. It really does make you a stronger woman and mother. You take each day and every minute step by step with careful thought. Spend those moments taking it all in so you can savor them and create those memories. I don’t like to think of the far ahead future when my baby girl doesn’t need me anymore but sometimes that’s what makes me strive to be the best I can be. I look at her and think how lucky I am to have created her and feel the love she has for me. It encourages me to show her what a good mommy I am and I know by doing so in turn she will grow up to be a beautiful mother to her unborn children.

A Wish For Other Moms

Try not to worry about the small things. The moments when you are pulling your hair out or feel like your loosing your mind,these are the moments that won’t last forever. Soon our children will be grown and these moments will just be memories that are missed. I have heard so many times from mothers that say they miss the times when their children were babies and were all over the place. When their children used to bicker with each other or talk back to them. All moments when you are truly stressing as a parent. I often hear them say they wish they could do it over again and re-live these moments. So I try to enjoy even the stressful times or the moments when I feel I’m not at my best. You can’t always be perfect but you can try to be the best you can be and become a don’t sweat mom.

Favorite Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Moms Chapter

Chapter one. I always aim to be perfect in the things that I do. Becoming a mother was automatic assumption that I would be perfect. Big surprise to me was that no mother is perfect. You have to come to terms that you will not be perfect. You will have flaws and moments of insanity! You have to be comfortable with that in order to live your life. If you hold it all in and try to always show that you don’t get stressed or loose your mind or patience,then you will just go crazy! Learning to let things go and just rolling with the punches,will help you better understand that not being perfect is okay! There is no such thing as a perfect mommy!!!

About Kelly

Kelly
I am a thirty something stay at home mother. I have one beautiful daughter who is the light of my life! Being a mom is the most rewarding and challenging venture in my life to date. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I wake up every morning excited to start our day together and watch her grow.

Biggest Challenge of Being a Mom

Tamara: Biggest challenge of being a mom is remembering to disconnect in order to truly connect with my kids. I spend 85% of my time online whether it’s on Twitter, Facebook, emails, updating the website, blogging, etc. When my kids are home from school I really have to make an effort to turn off my Blackberry and focus solely on them. As an entrepreneur, it’s tough to not work 24/7 but when all is said and done I have to remind myself that my kids deserve a mom who gives them complete attention. I don’t want to be remembered as the mom who was too busy to talk because I was attached to my laptop. Sadly, unless I make that conscience effort to disconnect, I have a tough time reconnecting with my family. That is definitely not living a FIERCE life.

Being a Don’t Sweat Mom Means

Tamara:Being a Don’t Sweat Moms means learning to let go. Let go of the idea that you “should” be a Betty Crocker mom and start embracing who YOU are. There is no cookie cutter mommy mold that you “should” fit into. You had an identity before you had kids so there is no reason you should change the core of who you are JUST because you had a kid. Let go of the guilt. Let go of the need to be “perfect.” Let go of your own body image issues because your kids will learn your insecurities. Let go of the need to be right; it’s impossible and emotionally draining.

A Wish For Other Moms

Tamara:It’s natural to stress about our parenting choice and focus on the negative in our lives but what are you teaching your kids? That worrying solves problems? We all know that it doesn’t so try this method: when you feel yourself stressing about life, kids, or relationships, EMBRACE the negative feelings, allow yourself to feel the stress, sadness, anger or whatever and then let it go. Have a good cry, hit a punching bag, release the negative emotions on a physical level. Once you feel a state of calm, shift your mindset to something positive whether it’s an empowering quote, affirmations or anything that makes you happy. You can be happy. You can choose to live positively. Life happens, it’s how you deal with it that makes the difference.

Tamara Plant has worked tirelessly through MOM magazine to change the stereotype of how a mom “should” be perceived, “should” act and “should be. She lived through an abusive childhood only to become successful in her career as a sports journalist and now publisher.

She believes in empowering other women and does so through YouAreFIERCE.com, a website celebrating women who make a difference, which she recently launched as a transition from MOM Magazine. Her signature event is the FIERCE Women of the Year awards, which she launched in 2010. She challenges women to work together and celebrate other people’s success.

She inspires others with her resilience to overcome the many obstacles that have been in her way, and she empowers other women to be their authentic selves after becoming a mother. In 2010 she was named the Canadian Hot Momma’s Project Case Study winner, telling her story of growing up with sexual, physical and emotional abuse, as well as her battle with depression.

Biggest Challenge of Being a Mom

Gina: Balancing all the things I have to do and still finding some me time!

Being a Don’t Sweat Mom Means

Gina:Being a Don’t Sweat Mom means I don’t have time in my life to sweat the little things, so I don’t bother anymore. It means I’m more patient, less frustrated, and don’t care so much about messes. Works for me!

A Wish For Other Moms

Gina: Do the best you can but remember you can’t control everything, for example, the future. Your kids may or may not go to college, may or may not get married, may or may not have kids. Don’t focus on that, but rather teach them love, respect, service, and let them know their true value. The rest will take care of itself.

Favorite Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Moms Chapter

Gina: “You are Enough as You Are” is my favorite chapter. The title says it all!

Gina is a blogger specializing in raising kids with disabilities to have a fantastic future, and supporting their amazing moms at Mom-Blog.com. Her Facebook fan page includes deals, giveaways, and commentary on allergen-free and organic living, biomedical cures, and the whole autism debate.

Biggest Challenge of Being a Mom

Jayne: Being a mom is like living the life of a juggler. As a mom I’m constantly juggling my children’s needs and schedules, along with mine and my husband’s. I believe one of the biggest challenges of being a mom is remembering to not let the routine aspects detract from what’s the most important, showing love for and teaching my children.

Being a Don’t Sweat Mom Means

Jayne:Being a Don’t Sweat Mom means picking your battles and finding balance in your life. I’ve been a mom for 10 years and I’ve experienced periods where I neglected my personal needs which reduced my reservoir of strength and my ability to find peace in my role as a mother. As I take better care of myself I can better care for my family. It’s true that if ‘Mom isn’t happy then nobody’s happy.’

A Wish For Other Moms

Jayne: Have a positive perspective. Motherhood has many phases, from the ‘up all night with a newborn’ phase to the ‘up all night waiting for the teenager to come home’ phase. Just try to find joy in each phase. When you’re in the trenches of sleep deprivation or stress it’s easy to feel like things will never get better when in fact this phase will be over so quickly you’ll someday long for those quiet nights when you were up late with your child, comforting and caring for them.

Favorite Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff Chapter

Jayne: My favorite chapter was: Mother Knows Best. “Our challenges are often aggrendized by our fears.” (page 99) My personality is that of a worrier and I’m always making mole hills into mountains. This chapter reminded me that I do know my children best and therefore I will (most of the time) know how best to help them if I take baby steps and calmly think things through. “Often, our worries and concerns are bigger enemies then the issue we face.” (page 101) Overly stressing and worrying only raises tensions and makes problem solving more difficult. Plus, there’s no need to fret over ‘what might be’ because no matter how much we wish for it we’ll never have the power to control the future. (Sad but true!)

Jayne lives on the North Shore of Oahu with her husband and three daughters. She love to read, hike, cook, and play at the beach with her family. Something unique about Jayne is that she loves finding new recipes and rarely repeats cooking the same meal. Her recipe blog is Dishlist.blogspot.com. She also blogs at MoanaSaves.com about products and tips that make home life easier and more fun.

Biggest Challenge of Being a Mom

Joy: My biggest challenge is having the energy! Being a first time Mum at 35 threw me for a real loop! Add to that questioning if what I’m doing is best for my daughter, and worrying about her constantly, sometimes I wonder how Mums stay sane!

Being a Don’t Sweat Mom Means

Joy: Being a Don’t Sweat Moms means trusting that I know my child better than anyone else on this earth. I may not be the perfect Mum, but my daughter still thinks I am!

A Wish For Other Moms

Joy: This time with our children passes do swiftly! Let’s not waste a moment on little things that don’t matter, and focus on the little things that do! Kisses, hugs, smiles!

Favorite Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff Chapter

Joy: Chapter 43 – How To Speak To Our Kids About The Big Stuff really struck a chord with me. We can’t always shelter them from the hard stuff in life, nor should we.

If you had told Joy, even 3 years ago, that she would be a Don’t Sweat Mom, she would have laughed! After struggling for 13 years with infertility, she have found herself, quite unexpectedly the author of the popular parenting blog, Pardon My Poppet. Here she shares her day-to-day life, tips, tricks, recipes, reviews and giveaways. Visit her blog and participate in the discussion of what it means to be a parent today!

Biggest Challenge of Being a Mom

Sara: Finding enough time for everything that needs to be done — giving my child plenty of attention, cleaning, laundry, work. Oh and let’s not forget I’d like to have some time to spend with my husband too!

Being a Don’t Sweat Mom Means

Sara:Being a Don’t Sweat Moms means learning to breathe and appreciate the small moments instead of always rushing to the next appointment, next assignment, next load of laundry.

A Wish For Other Moms

Sara:Breathe! And remember that every other mom is struggling too. So let’s all stop judging and comparing and instead support each other. There’s strength in numbers!

Favorite Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Moms Chapter

Sara: Chapter 41: Celebrate Other Mothers

This is a hard one for me. I don’t usually judge other moms, but I look at other moms and judge MYSELF and find myself lacking. Instead I need to celebrate the things other moms are good at and be inspired by it instead of being so hard on myself.

Sara Youngblood-Ochoa is a former actor/director whose latest (and greatest!) role is as mom to her two-year old son. Originally from Texas, she has been in Chicago since July 2008.

Sara and her husband enjoy supporting the arts in the Windy City and chasing after their wiggleworm toddler. In her free time (HA!) Sara is the publisher/editor of Macaroni Kid Chicago, a free online newsletter of all the family-friendly things to do in Chicago.